Saint - Francis Of Assisi With The Holy Twilight Cross XVII Century, Seville 197 Cm X 104 Cm

A rare and monumental museum piece depicting Saint Francis of Assisi with the Cross of the Holy Sepulchre and his stigmata, the rope of his habit with three knots, is shown full-length. A Latin inscription appears on the upper transoms (likely the Convento de San Francisco da Seville). This work, which in the 17th century belonged to the Franciscan Custody: the Franciscans of the Custodia Terrae Sanctae were entrusted with the mission of safeguarding the Holy Places of Christianity in the Holy Land. Probably commissioned by the canons of the Holy Sepulchre around 1650-1670, painted in the somber spirit of the Inquisition with the influence of Francisco Zurbarán. Saint Francis of Assisi is depicted here as the spiritual guardian of the holy places, a direct link to Jerusalem.* Oil on canvas, large, old canvas backing, 197 cm x 104 cm. Condition: needs restoration, but nothing serious (scratches in the paint, small chips, see photo). Note that the work is unframed. ** The Jerusalem Cross: Known as the Cross of the Holy Sepulchre or the fivefold cross, it symbolizes the five wounds of Christ and is closely associated with the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre. *** Note that the habit, beneath its old varnish, appears to have a striated garment reminiscent of the stylistically modernist spirit of Francisco Zurbarán, therefore a disciple. The garment has a small red breastplate, like a coat of arms. **** It is possible that I could arrange the restoration with my Italian conservator; in addition to the price, this would cost €2500 for a museum-quality restoration. ***** For transport, I recommend Embelco Transport, Zaventem. ****** The artwork will be on display from Thursday in its current condition at Sablon Antiques Center, 39 Place du Grand Sablon, 1000 Brussels. ******* Dear historians of the Franciscans of the Holy Sepulchre, if you could tell me more about this artwork, I would be delighted.